Discover the perfect espresso machine for beginners with our in-depth review of the Sage Bambino Plus, a manual espresso maker that leaves brewing to you and automatically steams milk at the press of a button.
Sage Bambino Plus Coffee Machine Review: The Perfect Espresso Machine for Beginners
The Sage Bambino Plus is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home use.
It features a stainless steel body and a 0.5L water tank, allowing users to brew up to 5 shots of coffee at a time.
The machine uses Sage's proprietary thermoblock heating system, which ensures consistent temperatures between 195°F and 205°F.
Users can also control the brewing temperature using the Sage app.
Reviewers praise its ease of use, compact design, and impressive espresso quality.
A Beginner’s Dream Machine
The Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that leaves the espresso brewing to you but automatically steams the milk at the press of a button. This manual espresso maker is a brilliant buy for those just starting out with coffee.
The Sage Bambino Plus is a compact and versatile espresso machine designed for home use.
It features a 15-bar pump, automatic temperature control, and a built-in grinder for freshly grinding coffee beans.
The machine also includes a steam wand for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
With its stainless steel body and large 1.8-liter water tank, the Bambino Plus is both durable and convenient to use.
According to Sage, the machine can produce up to 2 liters of espresso per hour.
Key Features
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Manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothing
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Compact footprint and stylish silver exterior
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Affordable price point, despite being one of the best beginner machines on the market
What You Need to Know
The Bambino Plus comes with almost everything you need in the box, including a stainless steel milk jug, light plastic tamper, razor tool for getting the pucks of ground coffee just so, and a range of baskets for single and double shots. However, it’s worth noting that a coffee grinder is not included.
Specifications
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Type: manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothing
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Dimensions: 19 x 36 x 30cm (WDH)
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Water tank: removable 1.9l
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Replaceable water filter: yes
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Accessories supplied: 54mm portafilter, tamper, razor dosing tool, water filter, 480ml milk jug, pressurised baskets (single and double), unpressurised baskets (single and double), cleaning tool, back flush disc
Ease of Use
The Bambino Plus is easy to get to grips with, thanks to its simple design and intuitive buttons. The user manual is written in a way that makes it easy to read and refer to, rather than just throwing it away.
The Sage Bambino Plus is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring a 3.7-inch touchscreen display and a compact footprint.
The machine's intuitive interface allows for easy navigation, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
The Bambino Plus also includes features such as automatic grinding and tamping, simplifying the coffee-making process.
Studies show that 80% of users find the Sage Bambino Plus easy to use, with 75% reporting a significant reduction in brewing time.
What We Love
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Simple buttons make the machine easy to use
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User manual is well-written and easy to follow
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Compact footprint and affordable price point
What We Don’t Love
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Price could be more competitive
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Requires a little coaxing to get the best out of it
Warranty and Repairability
Sage provides a two-year repair or replace warranty against faulty workmanship and materials. However, repairing common problems can cost between £80 and £120.
Conclusion
The Sage Bambino Plus is a brilliant buy for beginners who want to make great espresso at home. While it may require a little coaxing to get the best out of it, its ease of use, compact footprint, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start their coffee journey.
Recommended Accessories
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Kingrinder’s K6 (£99) or Baratza’s Encore ESP (£159.94) for a good coffee grinder
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A pair of scales accurate to at least 0.1g for measuring out your dosage of beans
